Further to our previous notice, we can now confirm the incident onboard APL Vancouver has been declared as General Average with Ardent instructed on Lloyd’s Open Form terms.

The fire originated in Bay 7 with vague suggestions of a fuel leak as there was a request, presumably from the owners, for fuel leak handling equipment. The engine room is adjacent to Bay 7 further hinting at the potential cause of the fire.

Initially experts expected the fire to burn for up to ten days however, various sources imply it has been distinguished or is at least under control / smoldering. Assuming the fire is extinguished, efforts have lasted at least six days therefore a significant quantity of extinguishing water will have been pumped onto the ship and cargo. The result is the cargo loss could be significant.

If W.E. Cox Claims Group can be of any assistance in arranging surveys, adjusting potential losses, provided guarantees insured in Lloyd’s or undertaking recovery, please do not hesitate to contact us.

As appropriate, please contact:

United Kingdom – Paul Friett cargoclaims@w-e-cox.co.uk
Hong Kong – Wendy Lee wendy@ceemis.com.hk
Singapore – Paul Sansom psansom@w-e-cox.com.sg
USA – Charles Droll cdroll@w-e-cox.com
Australia – Robert Hammersley rhammersley@w-e-cox.com.au

If this or future casualty notices should be forwarded to any of your colleagues, we would be pleased to receive their contact details and we will add them to our Client List.